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Abstract

In this thesis I examine the extent to which Chinese aid and investments in the agricultural sector reduce poverty in Zambia. I address this topic by focusing on three inter-related sets of questions related to land acquisition, skill and technology transfer and employment generation. Overall my findings suggest that there are both benefits and challenges for the local population arising from China’s aid and investments in Zambian agriculture. However, it is difficult to measure the extent of poverty reduction as a result of China’s involvement. My findings indicate that China is currently not engaged in any large-scale land acquisitions in Zambia. And China’s aid and investments can generally be viewed to help the local population by more efficient use of land and increasing food production, which is positive for poverty reduction. However, Chinese interventions can also increase the vulnerability of small-scale farmers who risks displacement and reduced income from increased competition at the local marketplaces. In terms of skill and technology transfer, Zambia Agricultural Technology Demonstration Center teaches participants new farming techniques, which in turn provides an opportunity to diversify and improve farming practices. There is also some transfer of skill and technology to the local population at Chinese farms and in cotton production, but not all the techniques are useful for Zambian small-scale farmers. The final question involves employment and my findings show that employment can provide rural households with additional income, but there are complaints about poor working conditions and low salaries.